Tag Archives: Variation

The 1-4 Offense: Kentucky Turn Out Play provides some opportunities early for quick scoring offense while still allowing for a standard offensive flow to happen. As always with 1-4 Offense sees the defence pulled away from the basket and having to play higher in the half court or risk offensive players being left open for long-range shots.

1-4 Offense: Kentucky Turn Out Diagram 1

The 1-4 Offense: Kentucky Turn Out Play works very well against an overly aggressive defensive team as it allows for the offensive players to utilise some of their interior team mates as interference when trying to receive the ball.

As pictured in the Diagram above the Kentucky Turn Out Play starts with the wing players moving in and around their elbow positioned counterparts. This seems like a very simple movement, but if executed well can be very effective for a number of reasons.

Firstly, as mentioned earlier this movement provides great help for an offensive player who is being guarded closely. Within this movement, though there is a valuable read for the offensive player to make.

In pressure situations, the defensive player will often position themselves up and in. This means they are up the passing lane and into the offensive player’s cylinder. As the lead is being created by the offensive player if they find the defensive player stays high to deny the direct passing opportunity and does not relocate to under to line of the cut so they are between the basket and the offensive player. Then the offensive player can bump the defender on the screener and backdoor cut to the basket looking for the lob pass (Two).

If this does not happen then the play continues with the Point Guard (One) making a pass to either wing.

The now strong side elbow steps to set a screen on the three-point line.

1-4 Offense: Kentucky Turn Out Diagram 2

One (1) can either go over the screen so they are ball side or cut directly to the basket down the split line.

If the offensive player (One) is not likely to receive the pass on their cut to the basket, then the cutter should flare towards the end of the cut so they finish in the strong side low post.

This cut is very effective if executed well for One (1) to work themselves free of their defender.

Two (2) moves from the wing to set a back screen of the weak side elbow player (Five).

After One (1) has utilised the screen Four (4) pops to the perimeter.

Five (5) also moves to the perimeter.

Scoring Options

It is worth noting that as One (1) and Four (4) are involved in the screen and cut action; there will be only one defender below the foul line on the strong side of the floor. This is a very good isolation situation for Three (3), but this will only be the case for a count of one to two before One (1) cuts into this space and drags their defender to the basket

One (1) on cut to the basket

Four (3) on the step out to the three-point line

1-4 Offense: Kentucky Turn Out Diagram 3

Three (3) now reverses the ball back to Four (4) who then quickly passes the ball onto Five (5). This quick movement of the ball should see defenders having to make large adjustments to their positioning. All of which will be to the advantage of the offensive players who can attack the basket when their defender is head turning to see where the ball is.

One (1) steps out of the low post and sets a Flex Screen for Three (3). Three (3) cuts at full pace looking to seal their defender on their back as they enter the keyway. If this is not possible Three (3) will finish their cut at the strong side low post.

Four (4) and Two (2) move to set a staggered screen for One (1).

1-4 Offense: Kentucky Turn Out Diagram 4

One (1) looks to create a scoring opportunity by lifting off the staggered screen.

If not successful, the offensive players relocate back to positions where the 1-4 Offense Kentucky Turn Out Play can be run again.

A difference is this time the Guards will be in the interior positions, while the Forwards will be on the perimeter.

If of course a shorter shot clock is in play a team would transition to a terminal half-court offense to finish the phase of play.

The 1-4 Offense Kentucky Turn Out Play is a very useful tool in the bag of tricks a team can utilise. If the Kentucky Turn Out is partnered with other 1-4 Offense plays then this can be a highly effective change-up play for a team to throw in an upset their oppositions rhythm.

The 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill brings together a number of different post situations for both offensive and defensive players to experience. The 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill focuses on a one on one scenario specific to the low post area of the keyway. This provides a very unique opportunity for both the offensive and defensive players to improve their technical skills with ample player movement and opportunity.

Playing defence against low post players can be very artificial within many drills seen around countless basketball courts. The 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill looks to provide a more game realistic environment while players have an opportunity to practice multiple times in a very short period their defensive technique.

For offensive players playing within the post it is not unusual for them to spend countless hours rehearsing their primary and counter moves. The natural progression for these drills is for defence to be added and player work one on one. Often though drills are very static and controlled. The 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill looks to expand player movement to reflect the three guard front often seen in many team offenses.

These perimeter players then have to practice passing into the post while the offensive and defensive players battle it out for position.

4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill Diagram 1

One (1), Two (2), or Three (3) can start with the ball. Pass between themselves looking to get the ball into Four (4). Perimeter players should be encouraged to use pass fakes, ball reversals and skip passes to create a good passing opportunity.

Four (4) can move from one low post to the other low post. Post defence must attempt to deflect all passes into Four (4).

Post defence should be based around team principles. The 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill should be seen as a way of implementing these desired defending techniques into the teams overall strategy.

Rules

Initially to help focus on the defensive element of the drill the following rules can be implemented:

Four (4) cannot score, if ball is passed into Four (4), then Four (4) passes the ball out.

Drill goes for 30 seconds, or if defence gets 4 deflections.

Points of Emphasis

1. Always work ball side

2. Jump to the ball

3. Bump post on cut

4. Post looks to seal

5. Game pace.

Variation

The 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill can be varied to add some extra complexity to the situation. The first option is to introduce defenders matched up against the perimeter players. These defenders are to remain with the perimeter players, but are to be still active in defence during the one on one situation. The point of this variation is to add defensive pressure to passing into the post.

To help keep the play as realistic as possible an option is to allow the perimeter players while being defended to use one dribble to improve their position and passing angle. Any more dribbles however and the offensive players will be able to breakdown the core focus of the 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill too much.

Another variation to consider in changing the 4 v 1 Low Post Defence Drill is that an additional offensive player can be added to the interior. This can be achieved in a few different ways. The first is to have both players in the low post positions. These players can screen and move but must remain below the double block.

The second option is to allow the second interior player to only play in the high post. They are allowed to move but must remain above the double block.

Finally, the third option is to allow both interior players free movement anywhere around the keyway. All three of these options around adding the additional offensive player should provide good opportunities to practice High/Low offense options.

The Flex Offense brings together fantastic player movement with some of the most significant tactical elements developed in basketball like the Flex Cut. The Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play is a variation on the standard movements of the Flex Offense. The Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play looks to create a number of back screening options centred around a catalyst of a hand-off.

The starting formation and movements of the Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play mirrors that of the standard Flex Offense. This will help foil early defensive tactics to that may be used to adjust to the hand-off strategy. Additionally, the Hand-off Roll Play’s sequence happens very quickly, which also makes the challenge of reading this play very difficult for the opposition’s defence.

Flex Offense: Hand-off Roll Diagram 1

Blending the Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play’s initial movements with those of the standard offense means either option can be executed next in the sequence. This will help those teams looking to build a series or playbook out of the Flex Offense and its philosophy.

The Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play starts with the Five (5) moving off the front of the basket to the strong side Low Post. This will be the position of the Flex Screen set for Four (4).

As Four (4) sees Five (5) moving, this player will start their movement of the Flex Cut. Four (4) needs to create a lead before cutting off the screen towards the basket.

Upon seeing the initial movement of Five (5) and Four (4), One (1) will reverse the ball to the opposite elbow extended position.

Scoring Options

Four (4) off screen set by Five (5)

Following screen, Five (5) can step away from this position to be isolated or flash up the lane to the Pinch Post position for a post entry pass

Flex Offense: Hand-off Roll Diagram 2

Two (2) initiates a dribble hand-off by moving towards Three (3).

Three (3) lifts to receive the hand-off from Two (2) and turn off the shoulder of Two (2) and into a driving lane to the basket.

As three starts to lift Four (4) will leave the strong side Low Post and move to set a screen for Two (2) after finishing the hand-off sequence. Two (2) will curl off the screen and move towards the low post receiver spot off the low shoulder of the ball handler (Three).

Also as Three (3) starts to lift, Five (5) will rise up the weak side of the keyway to set a screen for One (1).

One (1) can either go over or under the screen depending on which side of the screen their defender is positioned upon. There will be additional space to move ball side if Three (3) is topped from reaching the keyway on the players drive to the basket.

Scoring Options

Three (3) on drive to basket

One (1) off of cut to the basket

Two (2) on cut to the basket

Five (5) as passing option at Pinch Post

In the final sequence of the Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play unfolds with all receiver spots around the keyway filled with offensive targets. The Flex Offense Hand-off Roll Play will add a depth of choice to how a team can utilise their offensive options.

The Wheel Offense is fantastic for creating high levels of player movement. This is great for team’s that struggle to create opportunities on the floor through players creating their own shots. The Wheel Offense can be very effective as both an introductory and elite level offensive system.

Because of the significant player movement, the Wheel Offense Triple Screen into On-ball Play there is a fantastic amount of offensive options available. It is however, a terminal play and does not have any continuity to be run on multiple sides of the floor. This means the play might be best suited to use in combination with other Wheel Offense plays.

Wheel Offense: Triple Screen into On-ball Diagram 1

The formation for the Wheel Offense Triple Screen into On-ball Play is 4 out and 1 in. The difference in this particular set-up is that the trailing big (Four) moves to the weak side wing extended. This type of formation allows for the play to be started as quickly as possible as the trailing players are not involved initially.

One (1) makes a pass to Two (2).

Five (5) lifts to set a screen for One (1).

One (1) creates a lead before cutting to the basket.

The initial cut by One (1) can be actioned from beyond the halfway in the back court as soon as the pass is initiated to Two (2). This will enable a much harder defensive scenario.

Wheel Offense: Triple Screen into On-ball Diagram 2

Two (2) must square up to the basket to engage the defensive player as the ball will be at this position for a few moments.

Four (4) moves into from the weak side wing to set a down screen for One (1).

One (1) continues on the movement through and out of the keyway. Using the screen set by Four (4) cuts up the outside of the screen to extend to the weak side elbow extended.

Five (5) following setting a screen for One (1) moves across the split line to set a second screen for Three (3).

Three (3) cuts over the screen with pace attacking the front of the basket.

Scoring Options:

For a brief moment prior to Three (3) moving into the keyway, Four (4) can be free stepping to the basket

Three (3) on cut to basket

One (1) from lift to perimeter

Wheel Offense: Triple Screen into On-ball Diagram 3

Three (3) once reaching the basket moves to the strong side long corner.

Five (5) moves to set the third screen in the sequence. Performing a down screen for Four (4).

Four (4) lifts to the foul line.

Scoring Options:

Three (3) on fade to long corner

Four (4) on lift to foul line

Two (2) rips the ball and attacks the basket towards the baseline

During the last movements of this phase of the offense there is the potential for a high/Low option between Four (4) and Five (5) if a pass is made initially into Four (4).

The Shuffle Offense has a number of benefits for increasing player movement. One of the key features of the Shuffle Offense, is the Shuffle Cut. This movement brings a player from one side of the floor, to the other side, in one quick action. This dramatically shifts not only the spread of offensive players in the quarter court, but also to the defensive players involved in the match-up. With the right supplementary movements to this starts a very challenging movement for the defence to be able to defend with help defence and limit offensive production.

The Shuffle Offense Four Flat Play looks to start in a formation with four offensive players lined up on the baseline. This initial starting position is about moving the defensive players away from receiver spots. This should help with all offensive players catching the ball.

Shuffle Offense: Four Flat into Hand-off Diagram 1

Four players flash to the ball (Three, Five, Four and Two). The ball is initially moved through an elbow entry pass to either Four (4) or Five (5).

You do not want players passing to standing targets. All offensive players use the technique of long arms on reception.

If One (1) is struggling to enter the ball, remind the player to fake a pass, to make a pass.

Scoring Option:

Isolation of Four (4) at the elbow

Shuffle Offense: Four Flat into Hand-off Diagram 2

The elbow receiver (Four) looks for a pass to the Shuffle Cutter (Two) or this could be used as an isolation opportunity for Four (4).

The passer (One) fills the Shuffle Cutter’s (Two) vacated position with a spaced sprint.

Space allows the elbow player (Four) to drive or shot opportunity depending on the movements of the defensive match-up.

As Two (2) passes under the basket, Five (5) dives to the basket.

Scoring Options:

Two (2) off of Shuffle Cut

Five (5) on dive to the basket

Shuffle Offense: Four Flat into Hand-off Diagram 3

In the Shuffle Offense Four Flat Play from this position there are a number of different options:

Four (4) can pass to One (1) and then dive to the basket for a deep sealing option.

In this situation, Five (5) relocates to the weak side double block.

Alternatively, Four (4) can dribble towards the weak side elbow extended looking for the hand-off with Three (3).

Again, In this situation, Five (5) relocates to the weak side double block.

Scoring Options:

Four (4) as post target following pass to One (1)

Three (3) following hand-off action

Shuffle Offense: Four Flat into Hand-off Diagram 4

If Three (3) receives the hand-off there are a number of different options available:

One (1) will dive towards the weak sidelong corner looking for a pass from three (3) and a possible three-point shot.

As Three (3) enters the keyway while One (1) is an option for the three-point shot, there is also the option of drawing the help defence and making a pass to Five (5) for the easy scoring opportunity.

If the hand-off man (Four) does not receive an immediate return pass from the hand-off receiver (Three), then Four will move to set the down screen.

If the pass is to the perimeter (One ) on the drive, then Three (3) will continue cut to the basket.

If the long corner receiver (One) does not have the open shot, then a hard dribble out of the corner is required so that the defence is not able to limit the movement of the ball.

Scoring Options:

One (1) off of pass to long corner

Three (3) from seal on basket

Two (2) on lift from down screen to split line

Shuffle Offense: Four Flat into Hand-off Diagram 6

In the Shuffle Offense Four Flat Play as One (1) lifts out of the long corner with the ball then a number of different movements happen away from the strong side of the floor.

Two (2) continues from the down screen set by Four (4) to fill the middle of the floor around the foul line.

Five (5) and Four (4) step towards the keyway setting a staggered screen for Three (3) curling off both screeners following the pass and continued cut to the basket.

After Three (3) clears the initial screen, then Five (5) steps to the basket.

One (1) now has a number of different options:

A pass can be made to Two (2) who is now at the foul line

A post entry pass can be made into Five (5)

If Two (2) receives the pass then a shooting situation may have been created or a pass can be made to three (3) off the staggered screen.

Five (5) will also be a possible target by Two (2).

Scoring Options:

Two (2) from pass into keyway

Five (5) on step to the basket

Three (3) if passing reversal is continued by Two (2)

The Shuffle Offense Four Flat Play provides a wide and varied number of offensive options for the players on the floor. This variation of the Shuffle Offense however does require time and patience to learn. Because of the number of different offensive options, with each choice, there comes choice and layers that players need to become familiar with to effectively utilise the offense.